2.6 Ghz vs 2.7Ghz I7

I got into a discussion about the merits of the two I7 processors on MBPs that were announced recently. I bought a regular screen MBP with the 2.6 GHz because I didn't see the 2.7 Ghz being sufficiently more powerful to justify an additional $250 for it.

But, now I'm curious. Just how much difference is there? It seems like a very small bump, all things considered.

I got into a discussion about the merits of the two I7 processors on MBPs that were announced recently. I bought a regular screen MBP with the 2.6 GHz because I didn't see the 2.7 Ghz being sufficiently more powerful to justify an additional $250 for it.

But, now I'm curious. Just how much difference is there? It seems like a very small bump, all things considered.

Click to expand...

Most users wouldn't notice any difference in performance between the two. Those that might, it wouldn't be much.

I got the 2.7GHz version. Why? Well, not for any technological or scientific reason. Primarily because I didn't want to deal with ordering online and waiting for a custom build, I wanted to go down to my local Apple store and get a new MBP with the antiglare display. The only version they carry with that screen is the 2.7GHz, 1TB HDD model. So, that's what I have. I was able to justify it since I get a discount (Basically covers the cost of sales tax).

I also have a habit of just buying the best spec if it's not insanely more expensive and generally includes upgrades I couldn't do myself, in this case the CPU and high-res antiglare display. The 1TB HDD...I'll find a use for it.

How many of you have bought something and later wished you had popped for the upgraded version?

How many of you have bought the upgraded version and wish you had gone with the cheaper one?

Granted, we're talking about 2.6GHz vs 2.7GHz here, and I initially had the 2.6GHz version with the standard glossy display but made the choice to swap it for the antiglare version since I didn't want to have any "I should've..." down the road. The 2.6GHz was plenty fast, I had no complaints, so all else being equal and the only difference being the 2.6 or 2.7 CPU and $250 I'd say save your money.

I would recommend the 2.6GHz in general as well over the 2.3GHz, you do get a bit of a bump in performance.

It's not big, 99% of users wouldn't notice. Unless the machine is being used to make money with CPU intensive tasks it's a waste. Those that it would apply to would likely be better served with a more powerful desktop anyways. I'd say it's for bragging rights more than anything else.

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